Authorities have seized 47 dogs and one cat at a residence in Hidalgo County in what appears to be a hoarding case, the Las Cruces Sun-News reported.

The animals were seized Saturday night in a joint operation conducted by Dona Ana County and Hidalgo County sheriff’s departments, according to the newspaper. The name of owner has not been released and Hidalgo County sheriff’s investigators are continuing their investigation, the Sun-News reported Monday.

The newspaper said rescue groups and foster families are being sought for the animals. The contact to offer help is Robyn Gojkovich, a Dona Ana County sheriff’s investigator, at 575-639-6506.

Gojkovich said the animals were emaciated and most were on chains that had become embedded in their necks, according to the Sun-News.

Gojkovich told the newspaper that one dog had to be euthanized at the scene.

The Sun-News said that according to Gojkovich, six dogs were delivered to rescue organizations in Silver City and 10 to Albuquerque on Sunday, but more individuals and rescue groups were being sought for the remaining animals.